New York Fashion Week isn’t the only event marked on our calendars this week. Last night’s official unveiling of the 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover on ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ kicked off the issue’s Launch Week festivities, meaning we have plenty of bikini-clad beauties headed our way!

While it’s no secret that this year’s SI pack is led by two time cover star, Kate Upton and her ‘Polar Bare’ spread, the annual issue still has a few surprises up its sleeves since this release marks the franchises’ 50th anniversary issue. For starters, the milestone issue took the stunning cast which includes Kate, Anne V, Nina Agdal, Alyssa Miller and Chrissy Teigen among others, to all seven continents, shooting in exotic locales like Namibia, Easter Island and China’s Great Wall. As we’ve come to expect from the legendary publication, the breathtaking photos are nothing short of spectacular. From Irina Shayk’s romantic Spanish spread to Cintia Dicker’s wild Namibia adventure, the 2013 edition is spicing things up like it never has before, taking a few of our favorite stunners from one corner of the world to the other in the best way possible— that is, in their bikini’s of course!

That’s not to say that there isn’t some NSFW action to be had with this year’s cast of beauties. In addition to modeling the season’s hottest swimwear, the SI models can also be seen posing in well, nothing at all, sans some very realistic looking body paint. You heard us right, body paint people! Using their incredible beach bodies as canvases for photographer Walter Looss Jr., Kate, Alyssa, Anne, Chrissy, Nina and Ariel turn actual works of art and we trust we won’t be the only ones to do a double take this week.

But the fun doesn’t stop there people! The milestone issue also welcomes the launch of SwimDaily.com, featuring everything from exclusive shoots, models Q & A sessions, as well as fashion and beauty inspiration. Who’s ready for 365 days of SI Swim model fun? We know we are!

So, without further adieu, we’re happy to introduce you to this year’s 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models pictured in the slideshow below! Be sure to pick up your copy of the 50th anniversary issue on newsstands today.